We found the CD to be fresh and exciting - a testament to an artist that enjoys pushing the boundaries of her art. Blues like this is what keeps the genre growing. The tunes are mostly original and inspired and we highly recommend it.

Barrelhouse Blues ("BB") had the opportunity to ask Lara about her music and her journey - this is what she had to say...

BB: How did you get started singing and what drew you to the Blues?

LP: I didn’t find the blues…the blues found me.

I started singing when I was 12. I had some operatic training early on and have never forgotten the lessons learned, which have helped me greatly as a singer.

I got started singing the blues when I moved to California in 1997. I moved here from Utah with no experience in singing with a band but aspirations of getting into a rock band. A friend told me about blues jams and how I could sing with a live group if I learned a few blues standards. So I ran to the store and purchased some BB King, Bobby Blue Bland, and Aretha Sings the Blues. By 1999 I ran my own blues jam and had my own blues band "The Lara Price Band". What drew me to the blues is the passion you hear and feel when it's done right.

BB: Who are some of the artists past and present that have influenced your style and approach to the music?

LP: I am influenced by it all. I love a wide variety of music ranging from classical to heavy rock. To name a few, The Allman Brothers, Aretha Franklin, Bonnie Rait, Tommy Castro, System of the Down, Rage Against the Machine, Van Halen. The list could go on forever.

BB: Your latest CD, “I Got News,” features mostly original tunes penned by you and guitarist Laura Chavez. How would you describe the dynamics of the creative process between you and Laura?

LP: I think I personally work better with a deadline. So what it has been so far is, "Let's write some tunes because we need a new CD for an event." She usually comes up with some great chord progressions and I come up with a melody and lyrics. Or sometimes we will write on our own. There are no rules in the song writing process, anything goes.

BB: Do you have a favorite tune from the CD? If so, which one and why?

LP: I have thought about it, and thought about it and I don't have one.
There are a lot of things I like about each song but at the same time there are some things I would change. I don't think I have ever been completely satisfied with any of my CD's. Not to say that it isn't the best one so far. There are some great moments on the "I Got News" CD. And I am proud to have it on my repertoire.

BB: We notice that you also play a bit of drums and rhythm guitar on the CD – is this something you’d like to expand upon – broadening your musical forms of expression through the use of other instruments?

LP: I love playing the drums. Somehow I got addicted to this instrument a few years ago and have been sitting in with my own band and others ever since. I love all the facets of music, and like to try out different ways of expression. I don't by any means claim to be either a guitar player or drummer. I can say I am a piano player. And I know that in my future I will be doing something with that.

BB: As an artist and performer, how do you manage to keep your performances fresh and inspired?

LP: It is a challenge to keep things fresh all the time. I definitely have my favorite songs that I like to play and will never get tired of.
But I think that you have to dig deep when things are getting stale. Or get back on the drums and mix it up that way!

BB: What are some of your most memorable experiences as a performer?

LP: There are so many great memories. Here are a few.
I will never forget my experience this past summer singing the blues in China. The Summer Solstice Blues Festival in Worcester, Massachusetts, summer of '03. And lastly, being on the bill with Etta James at the Metro Fountain Blues Festival '05. It was that gig that I had really felt like the hard work was starting to pay off. One more…it was pretty cool to hear myself on the radio for the first time.

BB: You seem to be gaining momentum in your career. What would you like to achieve in both the short and long term? Say 2006, and beyond...

LP: This is hard to answer because so much of my career I think has been because the blues band grew legs of its own and next thing I know I have 4 CD's and a couple tours under my belt. I never intended to sing the blues but happened in love with the music…. for 8 years now. I am still searching for my sound and I have been dabbling in some other genres of music. For now I will say short-term goals are to play some great concerts. Long-term goals are to keep evolving as artist and not give up on an industry that can be hard and challenging at times.

I know that is a vague answer but you caught me at a time when my blues band is taking some time off for the Holidays. So 2006 bring it on!

BB: Who would you most like to perform with that you haven’t thus far?

LP: I would love to do a gig with Government Mule.

BB: Lastly, what do you value most about making music?

LP: I value that music is what makes me feel most alive and I don't take it for granted that I found what I love most in life.